Pleasantly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😊

Add to dictionary

pleasantly

[ˈplɛzəntli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a pleasing manner

In a way that gives a sense of enjoyment or satisfaction.

Synonyms

agreeably, delightfully, enjoyably, nicely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pleasantly	This word is often used to describe something that gives a moderate amount of pleasure or satisfaction. The weather was pleasantly warm. She greeted us pleasantly.
nicely	Commonly used to describe actions done in a pleasing or satisfactory manner; often informal. She painted the picture nicely. The presentation went nicely.
agreeably	Use this term to describe something that is pleasing in a way that is particularly fitting or suitable. The meal was agreeably spicy. The room was agreeably decorated.
delightfully	Ideal for situations that evoke a high degree of pleasure, joy, or charm. The children laughed delightfully. The garden was delightfully colorful.
enjoyably	Best used when referring to experiences or activities that provide enjoyment or fun. We spent an enjoyably afternoon at the park. The book was enjoyably engaging.

Examples of usage

She smiled pleasantly at her guests.
The music played softly and pleasantly in the background.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in a friendly manner

In a way that is friendly or amiable.

Synonyms

affably, amiable, cordially, friendly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pleasantly	Used again, highlighting its versatility in both actions and descriptions that are enjoyable and agreeable. The meeting went pleasantly well She was pleasantly surprised by the nice gesture
friendly	Describes a person or behavior that shows kindness and goodwill towards others, commonly used in everyday interactions. The new neighbor seemed very friendly They had a friendly chat over coffee
amiable	Describes a person who is kind, good-natured, and easy to like. She's always so amiable and helpful His amiable personality makes him easy to get along with
cordially	Used in formal situations to show warm and sincere friendliness. We were cordially invited to the ambassador's reception He thanked her cordially for her assistance
affably	Used to describe someone who is friendly and easy to talk to, often in social settings. He greeted everyone affably at the party The host spoke affably with all the attendees

Examples of usage

She greeted her neighbors pleasantly every morning.
The staff at the hotel always treated their guests pleasantly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing things pleasantly can influence mood and well-being, promoting positive mental health.
Research shows that pleasant experiences can lead to improved memory retention, making us more likely to remember happy events.

Cultural Significance

The phrase 'pleasant surprises' is often used in literature and media, suggesting something delightful that was unexpected.
In various cultures, the idea of pleasantness is linked to hospitality, where warm welcomes are a sign of respect and kindness.

Literature

In poetry and prose, the use of 'pleasantly' often evokes imagery of comfort and joy, creating vivid emotional landscapes.
Classic authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens frequently described scenes and characters in 'pleasant' terms to convey warmth and charm.

Social Interactions

Using 'pleasantly' in conversations often reflects kindness and optimism, contributing to positive social environments.
Compliments often include 'pleasantly' to express that someone is agreeable and cheerful, enhancing interpersonal relationships.

Origin of 'pleasantly'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'placere', meaning 'to please', capturing the essence of satisfaction and comfort.
The suffix 'ly' turns adjectives into adverbs, which is common in the English language to describe how something is done.

The word 'pleasantly' is derived from the Middle English word 'plesauntli', which comes from the Old French word 'plaisant', meaning 'pleasing'. The use of 'pleasantly' in English dates back to the 14th century, when it was used to describe something that gives pleasure or satisfaction.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,702, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
11699 practising
11700 colonialism
11701 mandates
11702 pleasantly
11703 nuns
11704 catastrophic
11705 reputed
...